Sometimes, it feels like Christmas has become a commercial to-do list instead of a celebration of Jesus’ birth. We spend so much time getting a photo with Santa that we don’t stop to worship our Savior. And that’s why we’re left feeling worn out instead of refreshed by the holiday season.
Understanding the context of Jesus’ birth can give us a fresh perspective to appreciate the magnitude of his arrival here on earth and the impact for our lives today.
Understand God’s Perfect Plan
Jesus’ birth wasn’t a plan B. Ephesians 1:5 says that God “predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ.” Since God planned for our salvation through his son, the location and timing were important to his redemption story.
- God has had a tie to the land of Israel ever since he chose Abraham as the father of his nation and the Israelites to be his people group. God dwelled with his people in the temple. Jesus loved the temple and called it his Father’s home.
- Bethlehem fulfills the prophecy in Micah 5:2 that “the ruler over Israel whose origins are from old, from ancient times” would come from Bethlehem.
- While we don’t know all the details, we can point to the Roman Empire and its focus on infrastructure, including roads, and the freedom of Roman citizens to move about the empire as a key factor that facilitated the spread of Christianity.
Understanding Prophets.
For hundreds of years, God spoke through his chosen people to deliver His Word to His people. Throughout history, these prophets promised a deliverer for Israel. Seeing the fulfillment of their promises shows that we serve a faithful and trustworthy God.
- A prophet is simply someone inspired by the Holy Spirit to share a message from the Lord. God communicated through Prophets, judges, priests, and kings from the 8th century to the 5th century.
- Which Prophets spoke about the coming of the Savior
Put it into practice.
Spend time re-reading the Christmas story in Luke 2 this week and reflect on how God’s perfect plan made a way for us to enjoy eternal relationship with him.
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Go deeper with Jesus & learn more about the context for Christmas.
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CHECK OUT THE PODCAST
This Christmas season, I’ll be sharing more about the context of Christmas and diving into the stories of many of the people who were important to his story. Each episode is a chance for you to grow deeper in your faith as you fix your eyes on Jesus.
